Cornwall Hidden Gems: 12 Lesser-Known Places to Discover

Cape Cornwall

Best for dramatic scenery without the crowds

Before Land's End became famous, many believed Cape Cornwall marked the true western edge of England.

Today it offers spectacular Atlantic views, dramatic cliffs and excellent walking, yet receives only a fraction of the visitors.

To see how West Cornwall fits into the wider journey, explore Cornwall Driving Routes .

Penberth Cove

Best for traditional Cornwall

Tiny Penberth Cove feels like stepping back in time.

Stone cottages, old fishing boats and a sheltered inlet create one of Cornwall's most atmospheric coastal locations.

It's still a working fishing cove rather than simply a tourist attraction.

Portholland

Best for escaping the crowds

On Cornwall's quieter south coast, Portholland remains largely overlooked.

The peaceful beach and tiny village provide a welcome contrast to Cornwall's busier destinations.

Minions

Best for discovering inland Cornwall

Most visitors never reach Cornwall's highest village.

Surrounded by Bodmin Moor, Minions offers wide-open views, fascinating mining history and easy access to some of Cornwall's most interesting prehistoric landscapes.

For advice before exploring Cornwall's quieter inland roads, see Driving in Cornwall .

St Anthony Head

Best for coastal views

Looking across the entrance to the Fal Estuary, St Anthony Head offers spectacular sea views, a lighthouse and peaceful walking.

Despite its beauty, it's often much quieter than Cornwall's better-known viewpoints.

Port Quin

Best for a quiet harbour stop

Tiny Port Quin sits hidden beneath dramatic cliffs between Port Isaac and Polzeath.

Many visitors pass nearby without realising it's there.

The peaceful harbour and surrounding coastal paths make it an ideal break during a scenic drive along the north coast.

Nanjizal Beach

Best for a rewarding coastal walk

Often called Mill Bay, Nanjizal is one of Cornwall's most spectacular hidden beaches.

Unlike many famous beaches, you can't simply drive to the sand. A pleasant walk from nearby parking leads to a secluded cove surrounded by dramatic cliffs, turquoise water and the famous rock arch known as the Song of the Sea.

The walk is part of the experience and helps keep visitor numbers relatively low.

Carn Galver

Best for panoramic views

High above the Atlantic coast sits Carn Galver, one of West Cornwall's lesser-known viewpoints.

The short walk rewards visitors with sweeping views across the Penwith Peninsula, abandoned engine houses and dramatic coastline stretching for miles.

Rinsey Head

Best for dramatic coastal walks

Rinsey Head offers spectacular cliffs, old mining remains and wide Atlantic views.

Despite being close to popular areas, relatively few visitors make the short walk.

It's particularly beautiful during the evening when the light catches the old engine houses above the sea.

Church Cove

Best for peaceful beaches

Near Lizard Point, Church Cove remains surprisingly peaceful compared with Cornwall's more famous beaches.

The small cove, historic church and clear water create a wonderfully relaxing stop during a day exploring the peninsula.

Golitha Falls

Best for woodland walks

Hidden on the edge of Bodmin Moor, Golitha Falls follows the River Fowey through ancient woodland.

Rather than dramatic waterfalls, you'll discover a series of attractive cascades beneath beautiful oak trees.

It's an excellent stop if you want a break from Cornwall's coastline.

Portloe

Best for a traditional fishing village

Portloe remains one of Cornwall's smallest and prettiest fishing villages.

Steep streets lead down to a tiny harbour where fishing boats still launch from the beach.

Although increasingly popular with photographers, it remains much quieter than Cornwall's better-known harbour towns.

For more village-led ideas, see our guide to the Best Villages in Cornwall .